Sexual Orientation Identity Development: Implications for the Psychological Adjustment of Gay and Bisexual Young Males in Japan

According to previous studies, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people report lower levels of mental health relative to heterosexuals. Young LGB people especially suffer from poorer psychological adjustment. However, it remains unclear whether different developmental identity patterns have implications for the psychological adjustment of LGB youths. There is a possibility that the development of sexual orientation identity is related to the better mental health among young LGB people. This study examines whether different patterns of LGB identity formation and integration are associated with psychological adjustment.

Method: One hundred fifty-five gay and bisexual young males (age 16-25) were recruited in Japan to complete a set of self-report scales.

Results: The participants met other gay or bisexual males for the first time in their lives three years before this survey, on average. The patterns of identity formation (early vs. recent development) were not significantly related to psychological distress and self-esteem. By contrast, those with integrated identity had less depression/anxiety symptoms and higher self-esteem. They were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation to their friends, siblings and parents and to engage in LGB-related social activities than those with unintegrated identity.

Discussion: These findings suggest that difficulties in developing an integrated gay or bisexual identity may have negative implications for the psychological adjustment of gay and bisexual young males. However, gay and bisexual young males can develop more integrated identity by disclosing their sexual orientation to others and involving themselves in LGB-related activities. Addressing potential barriers to further identity integration may facilitate changes in identity integrati on and contribute to better psychological adjustment of gay and bisexual young males.